Oscar Dansk named Calgary Wranglers winner of IOA/American Specialty AHL Man of the Year Award

IOA/American Specialty AHL Man of the Year Award is the American League’s way of tipping their cap to the players that contribute off the ice in their member communities.

From the AHL’s media release, here’s Dansk’s rundown:

In collaboration with talented young artists at the Ronald McDonald House Calgary and mask designer Dave Froed, Oscar created a ‘one of a kind’ mask that he wore during the 2022-23 season. The mask includes drawings that the Ronald McDonald House kids drew for Oscar, his favorite superheroes and Star Wars characters, and his beloved dog Bodi. Oscar auctioned off his brand-new mask raising $3,000, with all proceeds going to the Ronald McDonald House, a place he holds near and dear to his heart and visits frequently. Oscar will continue to wear the mask until the conclusion of the Calder Cup Playoffs.

Ronald McDonald House Charities Alberta supports families seeking vital medical treatment for their seriously sick or injured child. Compassionate housing provides a home-away-from-home for families who need to travel for medical reasons. When those families are experiencing one of life’s most difficult times, Ronald McDonald House Charities offers them the gift of togetherness.

Oscar Dansk is now one of 32 finalists for the AHL’s 2022-23 Yanick Dupré Memorial Award, honoring the overall IOA/American Specialty AHL Man of the Year. The league award is named after the former Hershey Bears forward and AHL All-Star who died in 1997 following a 16-month battle with leukemia. The winner of the Yanick Dupré Memorial Award will be announced by the American Hockey League on Thursday, May 4.

The 29-year-old Dansk served as backup to Wolf this past season, suiting up 17 times this season. Originally a 2012 second-round pick by the Columbus Blue Jackets, Dansk has played six NHL games, 144 AHL games and has also spent time in European pro between the Swedish Hockey League and the Kontinental Hockey League. He may not have become the NHL netminder that many had foreseen when he was originally drafted, but he’s become a really valuable pro and a strong off-ice presence in his community.

The Wranglers are back in action for Game 3 of their second round series against Abbotsford on Wednesday. The winner of the Yanick Dupre Memorial Award is announced on Thursday.